LYDNEY Town manager Mark Lee insists better times are just around the corner after a six game losing streak put his side in a relegation battle.

Lydney lost 8-0 at a Thatcham Town side second in the Hellenic League Premier Division and the high-flying hosts even had to contend with Lee coming off the bench.

“At 42 years old I don’t want to do that again!” he said.

“It was a tough, tough game for us. We had three players drop out with one late on Friday and the other two on Saturday.

“We’re in one of those situations that where we’ve got injuries, older players leaving and no players coming in.

“Sam Elliott, Niall Halford and Pete Macklin have all been out injured and their experience is sorely missed.

“It’s been a tough run of games. We’re having to play Thatcham twice, Bracknell twice, Windsor and Wantage all in a space of six to eight weeks,

“It’s been relentless and a real lesson for our young team.

“Saturday aside, when we were really outclassed by Thatcham, we’ve been in games and taking the lead. We just haven’t won and the games haven’t gone our way.

“But this will stand the youngsters in good stead for the future. You really learn a lot about people’s characters in these tough times and we make no bones about it, we’re in a relegation battles.

“But Sam, Niall and Pete’s returns are just around the corner and when the good times come again – and they will – we’ll be stronger for it.”